How to Dial In "Wrecking Ball" by Joe Walsh - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Wrecking Ball"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Analog Man (2012). Analog Man is the eleventh solo studio album by the American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joe Walsh, formerly of the James Gang and lead guitarist for the Eagles. Guitar World reported in 2012 that the slide guitar sound on this song came from a 30-watt Peavey amp with a 10-inch speaker, and that Walsh's guitars for the album were a 1957 Gretsch 6120 plus a selection of Les Pauls, Stratocasters and Telecasters. He names neither the Peavey model nor the slide guitar, so a Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s through a Peavey Backstage 30, a 30-watt 1x10 Peavey, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Wrecking Ball" Tone
What guitar did Joe Walsh use on "Wrecking Ball"?
The guitar on "Wrecking Ball" (released 2012) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Wrecking Ball" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, Volume 6. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Wrecking Ball" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Wrecking Ball" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Wrecking Ball" by Joe Walsh are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.